Melatonin Helps Treat RBD

APRIL 01, 2004

A recent study conducted at the Mayo Clinic found that melatonin therapy was successful in patients with REM [rapid-eye-movement] Behavior Disorder (RBD). Patients with this condition are likely to act out violent dreams by screaming, kicking, punching, or jumping out of bed.

For the study, the researchers treated 14 patients with RBD and another neurologic disorder. Of the 14 patients, 10 patients reported either total control of their symptoms or showed major improvement; 2 patients initially showed improvement, but their symptoms returned; and 1 patient showed no improvement at all. After a year of treatment, a majority of the patients still showed a benefit from melatonin treatment.